As the new treadmill lineups spring forth this 2023, we see a fan favorite being closed out, which means buyers still have time to grab a great deal with the NordicTrack EXP 10i treadmill. First launched in 2021, it came in place of the discontinued T-series line of treadmills replacing the T 9.5S we reviewed here. At full retail, EXP 10i comes in at $1,699 with a 30-day trial to iFit, although it regularly enjoys great discounts like the 2023 Black Friday sales specials this year. Going forward the EXP 7i will be the entry-level choice for customers as the EXP 14i has also been closed out.

If you’re in shopping for a new treadmill, be sure to check out our Five Step Treadmill Buying Guide here for all the tips. In meantime, read below to see why the EXP 10i remains a great choice for the right buyer.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The NordicTrack Commercial X32i

At TreadmillReviews.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of treadmills so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the treadmills we review. We install them, walk on them, run on them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every treadmill we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles on the deck. We listen and record the sound of the motor, we test and measure the incline/decline, try out all aspects of the console and try the treadmill’s features, such as iFit.

Every treadmill we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think. This particular treadmill has been around for many years, and we’ve done previous reviews of the NordicTrack Commercial X32i.

Our reviewers are treadmill and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a professional bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at treadmills, has been on this treadmill, and you can trust his opinion on all of the treadmills he reviews.

In Brief

By and large, the price makes the new EXP 10i a Goldilocks winner. Ready for Bluetooth headphones and heart rate monitoring, users have all the connectivity of pricier units while upgrades to the incline drives keep the machine quiet. A minor trade-off is the screen size, but in my experience, this is an either-or situation. You either like it or you don’t. Its 10″ touchscreen with upgraded graphics processing and dual-band WiFi is downsized compared to the 14″ unit found on the outgoing model, but for many this screen size will still be adequate. Do note, the deck is 20″ x 55″ meaning you won’t be able to stride out as far as with a standard 20″ x 60″ or 22″ x 60″ model. This is an ideal machine for walkers, hikers, and joggers.

As for the specs, the NordicTrack EXP 10i has an incline range of 12%. When following iFit training programs, your speed and incline will be adjusted automatically as you follow along, which is a nice plus. Its top speed is 12 mph, which is industry standard. Looking at the specs, the closest competitor at hand here is the $1,599 Horizon 7.4 AT, which I would argue is a slightly better option for more seasoned runners, as well as those who are less interested in or motivated by video-based training options. We’ll get into that in more detail in the Verdict section.

From a comfort and convenience standpoint, once again the appropriate boxes all remain properly ticked. The accessory tray of the machine has space for two large water bottles. Its Auto Breeze fan keeps runners cool during a strenuous workout. Of course, there’s the aforementioned Bluetooth capabilities, but the unit still has a pair of built-in speakers should you want to avoid the use of headphones when on your treadmill. The treadmill deck uses the same Flex-Select running deck as its more expensive counterparts, allowing runners to dial in the level of cushioning when running. Softening things up will help reduce joint strain, whereas a firmer deck will be helpful in replicating that real-world running feel. As with most NordicTrack treadmills, the EXP 10i can be folded up for easy storage when not in use. A hydraulic cylinder helps with this, keeping you from having to lift the entire mass of the deck yourself.

NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill (2024) - Key Specs:

Star Rating:	4.6-stars
Motor:	2.75 HP
Incline:	12%
Running Area:	20" x 55"
Folding:	Yes
Top Speed:	12 MPH
Weight Capacity:	300 LBS
Dimensions:	70.8" L x 34.09" W x 55.7" H
Built-In Programs:	Live, interactive studio workouts through iFit

In-Depth Review of the NordicTrack EXP 10i

Why We Like It

When I get on a NordicTrack EXP 10i, the term “Goldilocks” really does come to mind. It’s not too big, it’s not too small. To that degree it reminds me mightily of its smaller sibling the NordicTrack EXP 7i, with the primary difference being a slightly larger screen. At just 229 pounds, this folding treadmill measures 70.8″ x 34.9″ x 59.7″ and is as easy to move about a home as you can imagine. Like all units in the NordicTrack lineup, it comes iFit-enabled and is designed to work with that program’s automatic trainer control and Bluetooth heartrate programming. Unlike some of the larger models with flashy high-definition screens, the smaller 10″ screen does come affixed and atop a shelf where you could place a tablet, phone, or some other screen if you want to discontinue the $39 per month iFit program after the trial period.

It Comes With “Goldilocks” A 10″ Screen

As I stand on the EXP 10i, the screen is big enough to utilize but not so big as to dominate the visual plane. Clearly this is a model for those opting against the tilting and pivoting high-definition screen, so it’s a given that a buyer wants that, and the lower price of $1,699 it brings. One benefit to the flat, fixed screen, is it does provide a media shelf which affords one the room to bring their own tablet or device. The value to this is the either-or. You can either utilize the iFit-enabled screen, or your own app. The screen is designed to work with iFit, an app which not only provides automatic trainer control, but a virtual catalogue containing thousands of on-demand workouts, as well as live training. The machine does work in a manual mode without iFit, but you’re not losing as much value here as you would with a screen-dominant model like the significantly pricier NordicTrack Commercial 1750. In my experience, 10″ represents a sweet spot between too big and too small.

Video provided by iFit

Sufficient Mid-Price Incline

Again, I have to assume that mid-price shoppers are looking for a solid machine that delivers. The EXP 10i offers 12% incline, no decline, with 10mph as the top speed. If you’re willing to pay more, you’d get a little more, but having used this machine I’ll say that a 12% incline even at 4mph is more than sufficient to earn the burn. The value of incline training really can’t be overstated whether you’re hiking or preparing for a long race. It’s the easiest way to increase workout intensity without changing speed. And if you are using this machine with the iFit program, you won’t have to manage the incline or speed, the program will do it for you.

Heart Rate Training

The EXP10i doesn’t have handlebar sensors built into it like other units, but it is Bluetooth-enabled and the iFit package is designed to sync with ActivePulse and the SmartBeat armband. I’ve noticed how quickly my heart rate jumps when training incline, and there’s no question yours will too. The ActivePulse program in conjunct with iFit is easily the best system I’ve ever used and matches up with my FitBits, Apple 7 watch, and Oura Ring in several trials. What I like about ActivePulse technology is the ability of the program to not just monitor your heart rate, but to adjust, and even override, the automatic trainer control’s resistance. So if I’m on an iFit run and the program has me moving up to an incline of even 7% and speed of 5mph, but my heartrate is going too high, the little ActivePulse icon on the screen will alert me and communicate the new plan, which can be adjusted again if my heartrate goes down. Frankly, I’m amazed that two completely separate programs can interact that dynamically and still be right as rain about my pulse. ActivePulse technology comes with the machine and the iFit package, but the SmartBeat armband is sold separately by NordicTrack, or often give for free as a promotion.

What We Like:

• Convenient Size

  The EXP 10i is designed for home use with space in mind. At only 229 pounds it’s easy to move about the house.

• Touchscreen Control Panel

  With this model comes a 10″ screen which allows you to flip between workout programs, as well as keep track of calorie and mileage numbers. You can use iFit or keep the machine in manual mode.

• iFit Treadmill Workouts

  This treadmill’s 12% incline feature syncs with the elevation and dips of the landscape you choose to explore through iFit’s Google Maps feature, ensuring that it really does feel like you’re running on that terrain. This feature for those who struggle to stay motivated to keep exercising as it allows you to explore new locations.

• iFit Data Tracking

  This machine allows the iFit to keep tabs on fitness stats with every session. Whenever a workout is completed, the data is logged into the treadmill and then paired with any other device on iFit. This makes getting exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations easier.

• Audio

  The EXP 10i, like much of the NordicTrack lineup, has Bluetooth audio capabilities, so yuo can listen to your favorite workout playlists through a pair of 2″ digitally amplified speakers wirelessly. The ability to connect instructor-led training to your Bluetooth headphones is also a nice plus.

• Cushioning Preferences

  If you’re preparing for a road race but find that you have to train on a treadmill, the last thing you want is a cushy deck making things too easy for you. This treadmill offers the ability to turn the cushioning on and off according to your preference so you can either save your joints and use the cushioning or mimic real outdoors conditions and turn it off. Keep in mind that by having it off you are adding 30% more impact to your joints, so you shouldn’t train this way for the long term.

• Cooling Options

  If you want to stay cool while you run or walk, a pair of dual AutoBreeze workout fans will do the trick. While this may seem like a treadmill luxury rather than a necessity, it’s definitely nice to have while you work out.

• Easy Folding

  Using a hydraulic strut, it’s easy to fold up the EXP 10i, freeing up roughly half of its footprint when folding.

• Weight Capacity

  This is a pretty heavy-duty treadmill can support users of up to 300 pounds.

What We Don’t Like:

• Short Track

  The 2023 model sports a 20″ x 55″ track which means long strides are unlikely. This unit is best for jogging, walking, and hiking.

• Limited Programming

  The screen doesn’t work with other apps, so it’s iFit or the manual model.

• Short Warranty

  With only 2 years on parts and electronics, the warranty on the EXP 10i is shorter than that of its key competitors.

This Treadmill Could Be For You If You Want:

• A smaller treadmill for walking or jogging
• A smaller fixed screen
• A solid treadmill that can afford incline up to 12%
• A folding treadmill that’s easy to move

Our Verdict:

Overall, the EXP 10i is a great candidate that will appeal to many, while still being a clear step below the much-loved NordicTrack Commercial 1750. If you want better overall specs (a larger running deck, a stronger motor, and steeper incline) it’s worth paying more. If you’re on a budget and not a seasoned runner, or more of a walker/jogger looking to improve your at-home training plan, the EXP 10i is a strong contender.

As mentioned above, the stiffest competition for the EXP 10i (which comes in at the same price and very close in spec) is the Horizon 7.4AT. Now, the Horizon doesn’t have an HD touchscreen, but it does have the fastest reacting motor in the business, a wonderful set of quick-adjust rollers for speed and incline, and the ability to connect to a range of training programs using a tablet or iPad. The EXP will win by its ability for iFit to control the machine while you’re training, but it really comes down to how sold you are on the entire iFit training experience to begin with. If instructor-led training is to be your bread and butter, stick with the NordicTrack. If it sounds like a nice “bonus” feature and you feel like you could take it or leave it, spend the money with Horizon instead.

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